A Weekly Update from the Red River Farm Network
Monday, June 29, 2020
Focused on the Numbers- The much-awaited June Acreage Report will be released tomorrow. This report provides USDA’s first estimate of planted acreage. Statistics Canada is out with its own acreage report today. The weekly U.S. crop progress data will also be out this afternoon. In addition to the raw numbers, the Red River Farm Network will provide analysis from leading market experts. Remember, you can hear those stories first on the radio. The information is also reviewed in our daily podcasts, which are available through iTunes, on your favorite podcast app in the Google Play Store, Spotify and by asking Alexa to “Play the Red River Farm Network”.
Drought Expands Across the Northern Plains – The ever-increasing area of abnormally dry conditions, or D1 moderate drought, continues to stretch across North Dakota. Essentially, the western two-thirds of North Dakota are in one of two drought condition categories. As of Thursday, there is a small area near Bismarck in the D2 or severe drought category. Severe drought conditions exist in Oliver, Morton and Burleigh counties. An area stretching from southeastern South Dakota to Arrowhead region in Minnesota is abnormally dry to moderately dry. Another large area west of the Missouri River in South Dakota is also experiencing abnormally dry to moderate drought conditions. View the latest U.S. Drought Monitor.
Dry Conditions Starting to Impact ND Crops – Dry conditions in the western part of North Dakota are starting to take its toll on the small grains. In the Crosby area, farmer Art Schilke says the topsoil moisture is getting dry. Schilke’s farm hasn’t seen much rain in the last 10 days. “We had excellent crop emergence. Driving around, I’ve seen canola blooming north of Crosby, but I don’t know if it’s two feet tall. They’re really short and it looks thin. We’re seeing that with our crops, too,” says Schilke. “You shouldn’t be able to see the rows, but you can still see them everywhere. We’re starting to see the effects of dryness.” Schilke is closely watching the short-term weather forecast, hoping for a much-needed rain.
Crop Conditions Could Get Ugly – Near Dickinson, North Dakota, farmer Ed Kessel’s crop needs rain. “The largest rain we’ve had this season is a few hundredths around Memorial Day. We need at least one inch of rain and if we don’t get something by the 4th of July, it will start getting ugly.” The small grains look good from the road, but up close Kessel says there are some issues. “The majority of the spring wheat is at flag leaf. The wheat heads are a decent size, but there aren’t as many tillers as we’d like.” Wireworms are also being found.
All Eyes on July 1 for Forage Production – A large part of western and central portions of North Dakota have experienced dry conditions this growing season. Those areas have received less than 50 percent of normal precipitation since April 1, with extremely dry areas receiving only 20-to-30 percent of normal rainfall. This lack of rainfall is impacting forage production, according to NDSU Extension livestock specialists. By July 1, 80 percent of forage has been produced on most range and pasturelands. Therefore, Extension is encouraging producers to identify trigger dates for making decisions in the event of drought. Learn more here.
The Wheat Needs a Drink – Central and western North Dakota remain relatively dry. Arthur Companies grain merchandiser Jenna Knutson says the Harvey area had a light rain on Thursday, but “some wheat is already starting head out.” There’s a lot of grain to be moved, but the market hasn’t offered many opportunities. Knutson says the basis has been firm. “It’s helped with China buying some beans and talking about buying wheat and corn, but a firm basis and a poor futures market isn’t doing much for cash prices.”
Start Scouting for Soybean Aphids – Soybean aphids have been identified in research plots near Harwood, North Dakota. The NDSU Extension Crop & Pest Report says the infestation is very low, but it is time to start scouting fields. Soybean aphids are usually found feeding on the underside of the leaf and in the top tender leaves of vegetative soybeans. The report also cited armyworm damage in Richland County cereal grains.
A Fungicide Nightmare – Lakota-based Huso Crop Consulting owner Mark Huso expects fungicide applications to begin this week on the early wheat in in northeastern North Dakota. There’s a big difference between the early wheat and the crop was planted later in the spring. “That’s going to be a fungicide nightmare when it comes to timing. We’ll have to make the decision if we’re going to make multiple fungicide application trips or if we’re going to use a product with a wider spectrum for spraying.” As wet as it has been in many places it may be surprising, but Huso is seeing problems with grasshoppers. Grasshoppers have been found on field edges and causing injury to wheat and dry beans.
Crop Watch – In northwestern Minnesota, Stephen farmer Brent Halfmann is waiting for dry ground. The wet conditions have delayed spraying. “The crop has handled the moisture alright, but we are looking forward to getting back into the fields.” Near Karlstad, Kurt Aakre says there’s been between eight-to-nine inches of rain in June. “We’re hoping for some good weather to get things done.” According to Halma farmer Kris Folland, there are a lot of stand issues in the region. “I’d say anywhere from ten-to-30 percent of a lot of fields are pretty much gone, especially on the west side of a section with overland flooding,” says Folland. “There’s very unusual pockets of overland flooding by the Red River, but this year we’re seeing it in the Badger area, too.” Near Greenbush, excessive rains are also taking a toll on area crops. “The low-laying areas especially. We’ll see what happens in the next week and keep moving forward,” says Bryar Klopp, sales agronomist, CHS Ag Services. Listen to the full Crop Watch report.
Pioneer Agronomy Update – Soybean and corn emergence are spotty near Fordville in northeastern North Dakota. Pioneer field agronomist Kristie Sundeen says the corn crop is faring better than expected given the planting conditions. “Some of the early seeded soybeans were able to get out of the ground okay before the heavy rains at the end of May. There are some emergence issues with the later planted crop and crusting is an issue.” The sunflower crop is finally getting an acceptable stand going right now. “There are definitely a lot more sunflowers acres in the area this year than there has been in the past.” Sundeen says this could be a year for insects and encourage farmers to start scouting heavily now. Crops are at the development stage where stands could be wiped out quickly. Hear more in the latest Pioneer Agronomy Update, found on the Red River Farm Network Facebook page.
Dry Bean Scene – Planting has wrapped up and a majority of the dry edible bean crop has emerged in northeastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota. Hear more from Huso Crop Consulting owner Mark Huso in the Dry Bean Scene made possible by the Northarvest Bean Growers Association, Johnstown Bean Company and SRS Commodities.
The Sugarbeet Report – The sugarbeet crop up and down the Red River Valley has a wide range of maturities; everywhere form rows closing to just six leaf beets. Hear more in the latest Sugarbeet Report, made possible by Provysol from BASF, Premium Ag Solutions, Corteva Agriscience, SESVanderHave, Vive Crop Protection, H&S Manufacturing and Syngenta.
Nozzle Selection Need Attention for White Mold Applications – Significant white mold pressure is expected this year in soybeans and dry beans. BASF Technical Services Representative Ken Deibert says 2019 was an ‘epic’ year for white mold and that inoculum is evident again this season. Diebert recommends a spray nozzle that can produce a course size droplet “to penetrate through that canopy to protect those early flowers on the plant.” A different approach is needed for an open canopy. “It may be mid-to-late R1 and weather conditions are conducive for white mold infection, then we can use a flat fan nozzle that will produce a fine-to-medium droplet.”
Equity Sought in CFAP Program – The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association is seeking equity in the next round of coronavirus relief. NDSA Executive Director Julie Ellingson says the deadlines for eligibility and payment rates for the CFAP program. “A steer that was sold on February 14, for instance, could capture a payment up to $214. A couple days later, the same animal would only qualify a $33 payment because of the tight timeline.” Ellingson was part of the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association virtual spring roundup, which was facilitated by the Red River Farm Network. Watch the webinar recording here.
CFAP Applications Now Being Accepted Online – The USDA Farm Service Agency is accepting Coronavirus Food Assistance Program applications via an online portal. The agency will also use commercial document storage and e-signature solutions so farmers and ranchers can complete CFAP applications from home. Producers who wish to apply will need an e-Authentication account and can do so at farmers.gov.
Peterson Gives Turkey Growers an Update on COVID-19 Assistance – Following the Minnesota Turkey Growers annual meeting on Thursday, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson gave an update on COVID-19 assistance. “The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program payment is based on how much damage was done by the coronavirus. There were a number of folks who didn’t get treated correctly for the program, in my opinion, including turkey growers,” said Peterson. More COVID-19 related assistance is being considered. Peterson said there are provisions included in the HEROES Act that would give the agriculture secretary authority to compensate producers for euthanizing animals and to repopulate their herds. Peterson said whatever comes out of the final COVID-19 deal, “the ag stuff will be there and likely enhanced by the Senate.” Hear the story.
Turkey Growers Ask to Be Included in COVID-19 Aid – Turkey growers would like to be included in the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. “We are working on being considered in the second round of CFAP that is coming down the line,” said Sarah Anderson, executive director, Minnesota Turkey. “We are also working on other issues that will help our growers and help Minnesota remain the top state for turkey production in the nation.” Anderson explained the turkey industry doesn’t have published data like the pork and beef industries for the COVID-19 pandemic. “We’ve been working to provide data to the USDA so they know how much financial assistance growers will need. We’ve seen some loss in production for growers and so, we want to make sure they’re covered.” Hear the story.
MN Farmers Must Have a Coronavirus Plan in Place – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is requiring all Minnesota farmers to have a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan in place by today, June 29. The plan must comply with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Health coronavirus guidelines and OSHA standards. All farms and farmers’ markets must develop and implement a preparedness plan.
FSA Continues to Work on WHIP+ – The USDA CFAP program is in the spotlight, but North Dakota Farm Service Agency State Executive Director Brad Thykeson says WHIP+ has not been forgotten. There is a quality component to this program. “They’re working on that in Washington, trying to figure out our spring wheat quality issues with falling numbers last fall and our test weight issues in corn.” Patience may be needed for this effort. “It is a very complex program working with RMA data and it hasn’t transferred over as smoothly as we would have liked so a lot of manual entering for our FSA employees.”
Possible Trade Friction Between the U.S. and China – The Chinese government announced today it will impose restrictions on visas for U.S. citizens. This follows last week’s decision by the U.S. to restrict visas for Chinese officials. The dispute centers on China’s authority over Hong Kong. The conflict could jeopardize Chinese purchases of U.S. agriculture products under the phase one trade deal. China’s top trade negotiator said the U.S. should stop interfering in these other issues or it will influence trade relations.
U.S. Agencies Defend the Safety of Food Exports – USDA and the Food and Drug Administration have issued a joint statement, saying there is no evidence that people can contract coronavirus from food or food packaging. Food safety protocols are also in place throughout the food chain, China and other countries have started to restrict imports due to COVID-19 transmission, but the United States government says that is not consistent with known science.
Senators Ask EPA to Reject Small Refinery Waiver Petitions – A bipartisan group of 16 senators, including Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith from Minnesota and Mike Rounds and John Thune of South Dakota, sent a letter to the EPA asking the agency to reject petitions for Small Refinery Waiver exemptions. The EPA is currently considering more than 50 petitions for retroactive exemptions. In the letter, the lawmakers said granting the petitions would worsen the economic challenges facing the biofuels industry. Read the letter.
AgCentric Releases Dairy Data – According to the Minnesota Farm Business Management program, the average cost of production for dairy farmers in the program was $17.65 per hundredweight last year. That compares to an average milk price of $18.81. Farms with 50 cows and less suffered an average loss of $15,000. Farms with over 50 cows stayed in the black after labor and management was factored in. Non-robotic dairies with three-times-per-day milking had the highest returns in 2019. The organic farms had the least in net returns.
What’s Hot, What’s Not in the Markets – In this week’s edition of What’s Hot, What’s Not in the Markets, Advance Trading risk management advisor Tommy Grisafi highlights the weather, end-of-month and end-of-the quarter positioning.
Rural Perspectives – The USDA Quarterly Grain Stocks and Acreage reports will be released Tuesday morning. “Once there is a known in the market, the premium usually comes out of it,” says Katie Tangen, market education specialist, AgCountry Farm Credit Services. “This year, because of the heavy carryout and the high number of acres projected in march, I think the corn market is a little leery of the report. Soybean acres are kind of on the flip side because fewer planted acres were initially projected.” Tangen has more on the upcoming USDA reports, crop insurance and more in the latest Rural Perspectives podcast episode. Listen here.
Farmers May Want to Consider Locking In Harvest Basis – Farmers have been reluctant sellers of corn and soybeans, because of the low commodity prices. That is causing basis bids to firm around the country. According to Van Ahn and Company market analyst Kristi Van Ahn, farmers may want to consider looking into this and the push to lock-in harvest basis. “End users are really struggling to get that grain harvest delivery, because we really haven’t had great prices to do marketing,” says Van Ahn. “I think they’re trying to make sure they have needs fulfilled for harvest delivery.”
Malting Barley Endorsement Changes Approved – USDA’s Risk Management Agency and the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation have approved changes to the malting barley endorsement. Starting in 2021, quality adjustments will be determined using local market prices. The North Dakota Grain Growers Association and North Dakota Barley Council sought a more equitable process. In the past, RMA has used a feed barley price derived from the Chicago Board of Trade corn futures for the malting barley endorsement.
Potato News – The Potato Blight Line is back, but with a few changes this year. In this week’s Potato News update, University of Minnesota and NDSU Extension Potato Agronomist Andy Robinson covers what farmers can expect. Potato News is made possible by Corteva Agriscience, Bayer, Sipcam Agro and BASF’s Provysol fungicide, the new standard for early blight.
Environmental Group Seeks Depopulation Database – A coalition of environmental activist groups wants USDA to produce a permanent, searchable database regarding the animals euthanized during the coronavirus pandemic. The Natural Resources Defense Council, the Center for Biological Diversity and Earthjustice are among the groups upset with the disposal of those animals and the possible impact on the environment. The coalition wants to know the location of these farms and the methods used for euthanasia.
A Wild Ride in the Dairy Markets – The dairy markets have seen wild swings including block cheese reaching a historic high over $2.70 per pound and Class III milk topping $22 per hundredweight. “The trends in terms of expansion of the dairy herd seems to be stalled right now,” said Dan Basse, President, Ag Resource Company. “Dairy farmers are a little confused about seeing $10.50 milk and six weeks later seeing $20 milk.” The government’s food box program has been supportive. “As long as the government is out there buying, I don’t think there is a lot of nearby weakness in the milk market, but I’m concerned about the October and forward time-frame.”
A Bearish Hogs and Pigs Report – There wasn’t a lot of positive news to be found in the quarterly hogs and pigs report. The inventory of hogs across the U.S. was up five percent from the same period one year ago. The market hog numbers are up six percent and the kept-for-breeding category declined 1.3 percent. Using his own formula, Decision Innovation Solutions Chief Economist David Miller estimates 2.1 million head of hogs were euthanized or marketed through direct sales. “We’re probably going to make a little headway in July in cutting into the slaughter backlog,” said Miller. “Once we get out past Labor Day, we’re going to start backing up hogs again probably to the tune of 100,000-to-200,000 head per week.”Miller anticipates “huge” hog slaughter levels this fall, keeping the market under pressure.
U.S. Confiscates Chinese Meat – The U.S. Customs and Border Protection has confiscated nearly 20,000 pounds of meat products from China. The pork, beef, chicken and duck products were moving through the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. The meat was mixed into boxes containing everything from kitchenware to cell phone covers. In the first five months of this fiscal year, the interception of illegal meat products from China to the Long Beach/Los Angeles port is up 70 percent from last year.
Additional Funding Approved for ND Meat Processing Facilities – An additional $2.7 million in funding has been approved by the North Dakota Emergency Commission for meat processing plants. The funding comes from the coronavirus relief bill to provide cost-share assistance to meat processing plants. The cost-share program started last month with $1.3 million to help state-inspected and custom exempt facilities upgrade facilities and equipment to meet increased meat demand. Read the full press release.
Deadline Approaching for Electronic Posting Pilot Project – The ‘no trespass’ bill was one of the most controversial issues during the 2019 North Dakota legislative session. While the bill passed in the State Senate, it went down in the House. An electronic posting pilot project was developed as an alternative. State Senator Dale Patten of Watford City says landowners in Ramsey, Richland and Polk County have until July 15th to designate land as posted. “If we’re successful with this pilot program having landowners comfortable with it and sportsmen groups saying it works for them, I could see legislation coming in the next session to authorize that.” The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association sees this as a private property rights issue. The group is eager to see the results of the electronic posting pilot project. In addition to hunting, NDSA wants to see more options to consider for criminal trespassing.
Senate Ag Committee Advances U.S. Grain Standards Reauthorization Act – The Senate Agriculture Committee passed the U.S. Grain Standards Reauthorization Act of 2020 by a voice vote on Wednesday. In a statement, Chairman Pat Roberts said the bill will serve stakeholders well and help the U.S. maintain its reputation as a reliable exporter of quality grain. The bill will now be considered by the full Senate.
Bayer Settles Lawsuits – Bayer will pay up to $10.9 billion to settle most of the lawsuits over the use of Roundup herbicide. Plaintiffs claimed their cancer was linked to glyphosate, something Bayer still disputes. With this settlement, 95,000 cases are wrapped up. Another 25,000 cases remain unsettled. Bayer has been involved in this litigation since taking over Monsanto in 2018 and that now comes to an end. Bayer also agreed to pay $400 million to resolve a legal challenge over dicamba and herbicide drift. To receive compensation, farmers must prove drift damage took place between 2015 and 2020.
Judge Prevents California From Requiring Warning Label on Glyphosate – A federal court has shut down California’s requirement for cancer warning labels on glyphosate products. The judge said the labeling is misleading and would violate First Amendment rights. In addition to Bayer, the plaintiff coalition includes the North Dakota Grain Growers Association, South Dakota Agri-Business Association and national commodity groups representing the wheat, corn and durum industries.
China Approves New GMO Products for Import – China’s agriculture ministry has issued safety certificates for two new soybean varieties. Five corn hybrids and another soybean variety were also renewed. This is seen as an indication China is easing its restrictions on biotech crop imports.
Canola Minute – There is new clubroot research that is showing positive results. Learn more in the latest Canola Minute from Northern Canola Growers Association Executive Director Barry Coleman.
BASF to Move Forward with Engenia Registration Process – According to a statement, BASF will seek re-registration of Engenia. The company said it is committed to pursue all legal remedies so farmers can have access to crop protection products, including its dicamba formulation.
BASF Showcase Plot Tour Goes Virtual – In response to COVID-19, the BASF Roughrider Group has found a new approach to reach growers. “Our team within BASF in eastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota recognize that we can’t get together in large groups and we want to supply safety for our customers and our team,” said District Sales Manager Barry Rongen. “Our showcase plot tour will be done virtually; we’re going to show a series of short video clips.” The virtual tour will center on agronomics and BASF’s product lineup. “It is going to be a great vehicle to use the Red River Farm Network to transfer this information.”
Farm Groups Launch Stress Management Course – Three farm groups – Farm Credit, Farm Bureau and Farmers Union – have launched a new farm stress management course for farmers, ranchers and those who work in agriculture. This follows an announcement earlier this winter that the groups were collaboratively developing the online training course with Extension professionals at Michigan State University and the University of Illinois. The online platform helps participants identify the signs of stress and how to cope with it. Anyone can register for this free, online training course here.
INTL FCStone is Rebranded as StoneX – INTL FCStone is changing its name to the StoneX Group. The rebranding was announced at the company’s shareholder vote Wednesday. The financial services company has a significant role in the grain markets.
The Andersons Fined by CME Group – The CME Group is fining The Andersons $2 million. The Ohio-based commercial grain handling company faces allegations it violated trade rules in the wheat market in late 2017. The Andersons’ confirmed the case has been settled, but said it does not believe it did anything wrong.
Borden Dairy Sale Approved – The bankruptcy court has approved the sale of Borden Dairy to Capitol Peak Partners. Capitol Peak is led by the former CEO of Dean Foods and will have majority ownership of Borden Dairy. Borden’s lender, KKR, will have minority interest in the Dallas-based company.
Blue Flint to Evaluate CO2 – Midwest AgEnergy Group, which is the parent company of the Blue Flint ethanol refinery at Underwood, North Dakota, has received a $3.4 million grant from the North Dakota Industrial Commission. The company is moving forward with a project to potentially capture and store carbon dioxide.
ND NASDA Meeting Goes Virtual – The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture will not be coming to North Dakota for its 2020 annual meeting. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the NASDA meeting will go virtual. North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring is NASDA’s president and was scheduled to host his peers in Medora in late August.
National FFA Convention Will Be Virtual – The National FFA Convention will be virtual this year. The National FFA Organization made the announcement on Friday, saying there were many pandemic-related challenges that made hosting an in-person event impossible this year. However, an in-person convention will return to Indianapolis in 2021.
EPA Nomination on Hold – A vote on the nomination of Douglas Benevento as EPA’s deputy administrator is on hold. Iowa Senator Joni Ernst said she will oppose the nomination until she finds out how the agency is handling future blending requirement waivers for small refineries. Without Ernst’s vote, Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chair John Barrasso said a path forward for Benevento “no longer exists.”
SD Corn Comments – The Stockyards Ag Experience barn in Sioux Falls is the perfect summer destination to learn about agriculture. Find out more in the latest Corn Comments, a production of the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council.
Skaug to Chair Crookston Innovation Campus – A Beltrami farmer is the chair for the new Ag Innovation Campus at Crookston. Mike Skaug is also the vice president of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association. Lake Wilson farmer Gene Stoel is vice chair. This campus will feature a specialty crush facility and focus on value-added soybean projects. The groundbreaking for this project is expected to take place later this year.
Helms to Retire – North Dakota State University soybean breeder Ted Helms is retiring at the end of the month. During his 34 years with NDSU, Helms has developed and released 40 soybean varieties.
Rasdall Moves From USDA to IDFA – Effective July 7, Becky Rasdall will take over as the vice president for trade policy and international affairs at the International Dairy Foods Association. Most recently, Rasdall has been a senior policy advisor for USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service. Rasdall concentrated on technical and sanitary/phytosanitary barriers for U.S. trade.
Findlay Leaves American Soybean Association – As of June 26, Ryan Findlay is no longer the Chief Executive Officer at the American Soybean Association. An ASA spokesperson didn’t give a reason why, but told the Red River Farm Network in a statement they are appreciative of Findlay’s dedication and hard work on behalf of the soybean industry. The board hasn’t specified a timeline for hiring a new CEO, but the spokesperson said they want to start the process of filling the role quickly. The association’s chief financial officer, Brian Vaught, will serve as interim CEO.
ND Corn Council Has New Leadership – DeLamere, North Dakota farmer Terry Wehlander is the new chairman of the North Dakota Corn Council. Also elected to leadership roles are Jason Rayner of Finley as vice chairman and Tysen Rosenau of Carrington as secretary/treasurer.
MN Beef Update – Meet Makenna Winkelmann, the Minnesota Beef Council and Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association summer intern. You can find out more in the latest edition of the MN Beef Update.
Schmidt to Lead MN Beef Council – The Minnesota Beef Council has named Kelly Schmidt its new Chief Executive Officer. Schmidt raises Simmental and SimAngus cattle. He previously served as an agribusiness instructor at South Central College in Mankato. Schmidt will be in the new role with the Minnesota Beef Council in mid-July.
MN Turkey Growers Association Elects Three New Board Members – Three new board members were named during the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association’s annual meeting on Thursday. Wood Lake farmer Paul Kvistad was named the region two director. The allied board member is Kindstrom-Schmoll Director of Poultry Sales Barry Koppen and the at-large director is Ken Gleaves with Turkey Valley Farms from Marshall.
MN Turkey Research and Promotion Council Names Officer Team – The Minnesota Turkey Research and Promotion Council recently named a new officer team. Cannon Falls grower John Peterson was elected president. Pete Klaphake from Melrose is the new vice-president and Max Velo from Rothsay is the new treasurer for the board. The board members will serve for three years.
SWCS to Recognize Soil Health Professionals – The Soil and Water Conservation Society will recognize award winners at its virtual conference in late July. Jay Fuhrer, who is a soil health specialist with NRCS in Bismarck, will be honored as the Conservation Professional of the Year. University of Minnesota soil scientist Jeff Strock will receive the Chair’s Leadership Award.
4-H Ambassadors Named – Four youth have been elected to join the North Dakota 4-H Ambassador program. They are Abby Dahl of Ramsey County, Noah Helgoe of Pembina County, Katrina Just of LaMoure County and Mollie Robbins of LaMoure County.
MN Corn Matters – The Minnesota Corn Growers Association has a marketing webinar coming up. Learn more in the latest Corn Matters report from MCGA Public Relations Manager Brent Renneke.
Last Week’s Trivia- An adult, mated female bee that is considered to be the mother of the hive is known as the queen. Rolla farmer Doyle Lentz tops our weekly trivia challenge. Congratulations, Doyle. Anna Kemmer of the Southeast Region Career and Technology Center, Bob Lebacken of RML Trading, Sherry Koch of Mosaic and Marshall Mayor Bob Byrnes earn runner-up honors. The ‘first 20’ rounds out with rookie beekeeper John Stone, Jim Altringer of CHS Dakota Plains Ag, Nick Revier of SES VanderHave, Brian Rydlund of CHS Hedging, Bob Nielsen of UFC Co-op-Hamburg, Sara O’Toole of O’Toole Seed, Mike Trosen of Meadowland Farmers Cooperative, custom harvester Kent Braathen, Kevin Schulz of National Hog Farmer, LRSC farm business management instructor Steve Metzger, Curtis Noll of Noll’s Dairy Farm, Burleigh County farmer Jim McCullough, Park River farmer Curtis Novak, retired North Dakota Farmers Union economist Dale Enerson, Royalton farmer Darrell Larsen and Ron Dvergsten of Northland Farm Business Management.
This Week’s Trivia- Mount Rushmore includes the sculptured faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Theodore Roosevelt. Who is the fourth president featured on Mount Rushmore? Send your answer to don@rrfn.com.
RRFN Upcoming Events | |||
June 30, 2020 | Dairy Revenue Protection Insurance Webinar - Online Webinar | ||
July 1, 2020 | UMN Virtual Agronomy Field Tour - Online Webinar | ||
July 1, 2020 | MN Corn Marketing Webinar - Online Webinar | ||
July 2, 2020 | Managing Through The Black Swan Cycle with Dr. David Kohl - Online Webinar | ||
July 2, 2020 | SDSU Extension Pest and Crop Q&A - Online Webinar | ||
July 8, 2020 | Improving Wheat Digestibility - Online Webinar | ||
July 8, 2020 | Williston Research Extension Center Virtual Field Day - Online Webinar | ||
July 9, 2020 | Dairy Economic Update - Online Webinar | ||
July 9, 2020 | NDSA Virtual Feedlot Tour - Online Webinar | ||
July 9, 2020 | SDSU Extension Pest and Crop Q&A - Online Webinar |
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FarmNetNews is a production of the Red River Farm Network. RRFN is based in Grand Forks, North Dakota and provides news to farmers and ranchers across Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.